Set Up Your Business in JAFZA
The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is Dubai's oldest and most internationally recognised free zone. Established in 1985 and strategically located beside Jebel Ali Port and close to Al Maktoum International Airport, it provides unmatched access to global supply chains.
With more than 9,500 registered companies, JAFZA is home to industries ranging from shipping and logistics to manufacturing, trading, and e-commerce. It is widely regarded as one of the UAE's most reliable platforms for global investors.
Why JAFZA Works for Businesses?
- Direct access to shipping lines, air routes, and road transport
- 100% foreign ownership across most activities
- No restrictions on capital and profit repatriation
- Customs duty exemptions for imports and re-exports
- Wide range of facilities: offices, warehouses, industrial plots, on-site staff housing
Steps to Set Up in JAFZA
- Select Activities and Structure - Decide your licence type, activity, and legal form (FZE, FZCO, or Branch).
- Reserve Company Name - Submit your proposed name for approval.
- Initial Approval - Provide details of shareholders, directors, and chosen activities.
- Secure Premises - Choose from JAFZA's office space, warehouses, or industrial plots.
- Documentation - Draft and notarize your Memorandum & Articles of Association and submit all required documents.
- Licence Issuance - Receive your JAFZA trade licence.
- Visa Processing - Apply for investor, employee, and family visas.
- Corporate Bank Account - Consultycs prepares banking-compliant documentation to simplify account opening.
Types of Licences Offered in JAFZA
1.
Trading Licence
For companies dealing in specific goods.
2.
General Trading Licence
Allows wider trading across multiple product categories.
3.
Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, processing, packaging, and assembly.
4.
Service Licence
For professional, consultancy, and service-oriented businesses.
5.
Logistics Licence
Tailored for freight forwarding, warehousing, shipping, and supply chain management.
6.
E-commerce Licence
For online trading and digital commerce.
Your Trusted Business Setup Partner
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Why Consultycs?
Because free zone setup isn't just about paperwork—it's about choosing the right activity, licence, and structure for your long-term goals. Consultycs makes JAFZA formation simple by:
- Advising the right licence and activity mix for your sector
- Managing the setup end-to-end, from approvals to visas
- Preparing banking-ready files for smooth corporate account opening
- Supporting your business beyond setup, including renewals and compliance
Business Structures Available in JAFZA
-
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Single shareholder with limited liability
-
Free Zone Company (FZC)
Two or more shareholders with
limited liability -
Branch Office
Extension of an existing UAE or
foreign company
Business Structures Available in JAFZA
JAFZA authorises thousands of activities. Below is a breakdown by licence category:
Trading / General Trading
- Import/export of consumer goods, building materials, automotive parts, electronics, food products, textiles, medical equipment
- Wholesale and distribution of finished goods
- International trading and re-export
Industrial
- Light and heavy manufacturing
- Metal works, plastics, chemicals, machinery assembly
- Food and beverage processing and packaging
- Textiles and garment production
- Furniture and construction material manufacturing
Service
- IT and software consultancy
- Business management consultancy
- Accounting, auditing, and legal services
- Real estate and property consultancy
- Marketing, media, and advertising agencies
- Repair and maintenance services
Logistics
- Freight forwarding and cargo services
- Warehousing and storage
- Customs clearance and bonded warehousing
- Supply chain management and 3PL (third-party logistics) services
- Shipping line agencies
E-commerce
- Online retail platforms
- Marketplace operators
- Digital product sales (software, apps, media)
- Cross-border e-commerce businesses
FAQ'S
Logistics, shipping, trading, industrial, and manufacturing companies benefit most due to the location and facilities.
Yes, JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership.
On average, 1-2 weeks depending on activity and documentation.
Not directly. A local distributor or mainland licence is required.
Yes, 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income, plus customs duty exemptions and VAT advantages on re-exports.
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